A wonderful substrate for growing orchids: all about ceramis, its features and advantages

In flower shops they sell different substrates for orchids, but by no means always of good quality. Knowing this, many flower growers previously refused to purchase them, preferring to prepare the substrate with their own hands.

The situation changed as soon as Ceramis began to be sold in Russia. It is good because the roots of the orchid "breathe", easily, well and freely taking water from it. It is breathable, loose, moisture-resistant and free of harmful substances. What is it? Is Ceramis suitable for growing all kinds of orchids or not? What is his composition?

What it is?

Ceramis is a balanced and thoughtful complex, ideal for caring for indoor plants. It is a clay granulate, the effect of which is enhanced by several types of fertilizers. Also, by its color, they guess whether it is necessary to water the plant or not.

On a note. Ceramis and all the components for it are produced in Germany. Recently they began to sell it in Russia, while in the countries of Western Europe they have long known about it, and are actively using it for planting potted plants.

The composition of the substrate

Clay granulate is a substitute for land in which ficuses and palm trees, cacti and lemons are planted. The Ceramis complex is 70% made of bark and clay granules, and the remaining components in the composition are NPK microelements. It contains:

• nitrogen (18 mg / l);
• potassium (180 mg / l);
• phosphorus (55 mg / l).

If he remains after an orchid transplant, arrange for his proper storage. It is stored in a dark and dry place, inaccessible to moisture, the sun. Animals and children should not have access to the place where they will store it. In the immediate vicinity of it do not store drugs and food.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other substrate, Ceramis should have its own advantages and disadvantages. What are the advantages of it?

• Use an unlimited number of times over many years.
• There is no need to change it several times a season, which can not be said about other complexes.
• When transplanting, just add the right amount of granulate to the pots or pots.
• If the plant died in the pot, Ceramis is not thrown away, but reused after washing and "baking" in the oven for 30 minutes.
• You won’t need a pallet, since the use of granulate eliminates leaks, stains and dirt on the windowsill. This encourages gardeners to transplant the orchid into a beautiful and stylish flower pot.
• Ceramis does not lose its properties over time. It retains its structure and does not condense.
• It is possible to transplant orchids into a new substrate - in Ceramis without cleaning the roots from the ground.

This substrate has no drawbacks.

What types are suitable for growing?

At the forums among flower growers, disputes over the use / non-use of Ceramis for planting orchids do not stop. Some argue that it is suitable for all orchids, whether it be Phalaenopsis or Wanda, while others - that only for Phalaenopsis. The manufacturer speaks in this regard as follows: Seramis is an ideal complex for growing all members of the Orchid family.

Step-by-step landing instructions

What if the florist decided to transplant an orchid in Seramis? Transplantation is a responsible and special preparation event. If a novice florist decides on it, it is better to watch a video on this topic before doing something.

Important! You can transplant an orchid into a substrate only if it has faded. The flower stalk is cut off so that it quickly regains its vitality after the procedure.

What do you need?

• Garden secateurs or nail clippers. Before transplantation, the blades are treated using an alcohol solution.
• A new plastic pot that is slightly larger in size than the previous one.
• Seramis substrate.
• Bactericidal preparations that do not contain alcohol, or an activated carbon tablet for treating cut sites. Without processing these places, the beauty will fall ill and die.

Actually, the process

1. Removing a flower from an old container. This is done carefully so as not to damage its fragile root system. For easy extraction, do not water the orchid before the procedure. Sometimes the pot is cut into pieces to prevent root injury.
2. It is not necessary to clean the roots of the previous soil. If you can easily do this procedure, delete the unnecessary, no - no.
3. Inspection of the root system of the plant. It is not uncommon only during a transplant to reveal its defeat by pests (powdery mildew, aphids, thrips). Finding a parasite on the roots, immerse the plant in warm filtered water. He will not tolerate this procedure, and if they are also treated with special preparations, the orchid will be saved.
4. Diagnosis of the roots. Before a flower is transplanted into a new pot, all dried and decayed roots are removed. To do this, use a pruner or scissors, and the places of the slices are treated with crushed activated carbon or special bactericidal preparations.
5. Removing lifeless and yellow leaves.
6. Removing soft hollow bulbs. Slices are treated with disinfectants.
7. Ensuring drying of the roots for at least 8 hours.
8. While the roots are dry, prepare the pot. It is disinfected, laid on the bottom layer of drainage.
9. After 8 hours, carefully place the flower in the middle of the pot, and the voids in it are filled with Seramis substrate. Aerial roots do not sprinkle on them.

Note! The substrate in the pot is not tamped. It is laid so that the plant does not hang in it.

Plant care

In order for the orchid to recover faster after transplanting into a new substrate, they provide proper care for it.

1. They put a pot with it on the eastern windowsill (if this is impossible, then on the former), but they hide the plant from the rays of the sun. The temperature in the room should be kept at + 20- + 22 degrees Celsius.
2. The first time the orchid is watered on the 4th-5th day after the transplant. For watering and spraying use warm and purified water.

Conclusion

Ceramis is a good substrate. It is perfect for orchids. He best affects the development of a tropical beauty. Having transplanted it to Seramis, do not change it after a couple of months. If you use this substrate for resuscitation of a sick orchid, it will certainly recover and will soon appreciate the abundance of buds on peduncles.

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